The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is inviting South African graduates who are currently looking for work to apply for its Internship Programme 2025. The internship will be based in the Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC‑VIMP) division at Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
Key dates:
– Application deadline: 4 November 2025
– Internship start: soon after the closing date (specific start time to be confirmed)
What the Internship Looks Like
ARC is a top research organization that focuses on how plants grow better and faster. For this programme, the team needs people who can help with DNA marker technologies and molecular breeding. If you are new to the field or still learning, this is a chance to work with leading scientists, get hands‑on experience in plant genetics, and learn about genomics and molecular techniques that drive the future of agriculture.
Your Day‑to‑Day Tasks
- Assist on current research projects that use DNA markers and molecular breeding techniques.
- Help design and carry out experiments in partnership with plant breeders.
- Keep up to date with new tools and methods in DNA marker research.
- Collect, analyze, and read research data accurately.
- Write reports for teammates and external partners.
- Guide postgraduate students and research assistants as they learn the basics of plant science.
- Share results in journal articles and in more approachable formats, like blogs or short videos.
- Follow all health, safety and environmental guidelines on site.
What You Need to Apply
- Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Plant Breeding, or Genetics.
- Strong background in the science of DNA and knowledge of plant markers.
- Familiarity with tools that analyse genetic data.
- Good eye for detail and the ability to keep data clean and reliable.
- Planning and time‑management skills – you’ll have multiple projects at the same time.
- Proficiency in MS Office and especially Excel for data tables.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic understanding of health and safety requirements in a lab.
If You Have Any Questions
Contact Dr. I Gazendam at the ARC office:
Phone: (012) 808 8000.
How to Apply
To be part of the ARC team, click the link below and follow the on‑screen steps to submit all required documents.
Apply now for the ARC Internship Programme 2025
Before you click, make sure you include:
- A letter that tells why you want the internship.
- A clear CV that shows your education and any research experience.
- Certified copies of your ID, certificates, driver’s licence, and any other supporting paperwork.
- For foreign applicants, a SAQA evaluation that matches their degree to a local standard.
- Names and phone or email addresses of three referees who can vouch for your skills.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only candidates that make it to the short‑list will be informed about the next step within four weeks of the closing date.
Equal Opportunity Statement: ARC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The council follows the Employment Equity Act and provides special consideration to designated groups.